Walking Holidays in Beautiful Limousin
The Limousin region is popular among French and international walking enthusiasts due to its varied countryside walks.
The area provides some of the best walks in France and is the perfect location for a walking-based self-catering holiday. There are numerous gites in Limousin, many perfectly located for a walking holiday. The Creuse region is one of the most popular walking destinations and is generally considered to have the wildest terrain, with rugged countryside and dense forest areas dotted with tiny, picturesque villages and towns.
The Ambazac hills offer some stunning countryside walks and the cool, dark forests offer respite from the hot sun during the summer months. The area around the hills is known as Pays des Eaux Vives, which translates as "the land of the fast waters" and refers to the abundance of fast-flowing streams.
Many of the local walks take in these picturesque streams, offering a pleasant contrast to walking through forests. Dense with pine, chestnut and oak trees, lush green forests cover huge swathes of the Limousin region. Great for wildlife fans, the forests are home to many species of birds of prey, as well as woodland creatures such as deer and wild boar.
The large Lac du Pont l'Age is situated near the towns of Lauriere and Folles and offers a pleasant lakeside walking experience. The lake has a stunning beach area for those wishing to cool off in the water. The surrounding forests offer good shade and provide excellent walks for hot summer days.
Most popular trails in Limousin are well-marked so novice and experienced walkers will be well-served. As with any countryside walks, always take a map and if in doubt, stay close to marked trails. Walks vary in difficulty, with some of the wilder and more challenging trails only suited to experienced walkers. Others are very gentle, scenic walks and are suitable for all levels of fitness.
Many of the less challenging walks are great for children and are popular with local and visiting families. Lots of trails are suitable for mountain bikes so keen cyclists might like to stay in one of the many gites in Limousin situated near one of the major biking trails. For a more urban walk, the regional capital of Limoges offers some excellent options.
The popular Porcelain Loop Walk, along the banks of the Vienna River, takes walkers on a journey through the porcelain centre of the world. This popular 9km walk covers gentle urban terrain and offers a scenic walk through this beautiful city.